14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 25:14-30 KJV)
The Parable of the Talents
This parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) teaches that we are in a state of responsibility and diligence, just as the previous parable emphasized a state of watchfulness. There, we are stirred to care for our own souls; here, we are called to labor for God’s glory and others’ good.
The Master in the parable is Christ, who owns all things, especially his Church (Matthew 28:18). The servants represent Christians—his own, redeemed by his blood, dedicated to his service. While the parable applies to all believers, it especially fits ministers who serve him directly (2 Timothy 2:24).
Christ entrusts his servants with his goods, giving them resources to work with. He gives spiritual gifts according to each person’s ability (Matthew 25:15), as the Spirit distributes to each for the good of all (1 Corinthians 12:7). Everything we have is from Christ, meant to be used for him (1 Peter 4:10), and still belongs to him. We are stewards, not owners.
The master’s departure pictures Christ’s ascension (Ephesians 4:8), after which he gave gifts to his church and sent his Spirit to empower it (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:14). He gave five talents to one, two to another, and one to another, each according to ability. Though unequal, every servant received something valuable—no one was left out. Even a single talent is a significant trust, such as the gift of a soul, capable of doing good. As Seneca said, if we cannot help many, let us help a few—or at least ourselves.
The first two servants immediately went to work, showing diligence and faithfulness (Matthew 25:16-17). They used what was given for its intended purpose, and both doubled their talents. A true Christian is like a spiritual merchant, trading for eternal gain. All our resources—mental, material, and spiritual—should be used to honor Christ. Success here is not measured by results but by faithful effort. Those with less are not expected to do what those with more can do, but each will be accepted according to what they have (2 Corinthians 8:12).
The third servant, who received one talent, hid it (Matthew 25:18). While only one of three servants fails in the parable, real life often sees more unfaithful than faithful (Luke 17:17-18). Though he didn’t waste the talent outright, he failed to use it. Like wealth or influence unused for God, a buried gift is unprofitable. Everything we have is the Master’s; we must give account. Seeing others work diligently should stir us, not leave us idle.
The master returned after a long time and settled accounts (Matthew 25:19). This delay reminds us that Christ is not slow, but purposeful (2 Peter 3:9). The first two servants gave their report, joyfully showing what they had gained. They credited their master for the trust and showed proof of faithfulness (Matthew 25:20-22). Their faithfulness—not the size of their gain—was rewarded.
The master praised them: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21, 23). He rewarded them with greater responsibilities and invited them into his joy. This joy is Christ’s own—eternal, abundant, and shared with his faithful ones (Matthew 25:34; Revelation 3:21).
The third servant came forward confidently, saying, “Here is what is yours” (Matthew 25:24-25). He believed that preserving the talent was enough. Many today rest in the hope that avoiding obvious sin qualifies them for heaven. But not doing wrong is not the same as doing right. He excused his laziness by blaming the master: “I knew you were a hard man.” Fear replaced love, and fear led to inactivity. This view of God was false and became his undoing.
His excuse was overruled. The master called him “wicked and lazy” (Matthew 25:26). Not doing good is judged as doing evil (James 4:17). He was condemned for neglect. If he truly feared his master, he should have acted on that fear, at least by putting the money in the bank to earn interest. If we cannot do much, we must do something. God does not demand success, but effort.
His condemnation came in two parts. First, his talent was taken and given to the one with ten (Matthew 25:28-29). Those who use what they have for God will be given more—whether in gifts, opportunities, or rewards. Those who do nothing will lose what little they had (Proverbs 11:24; Ecclesiastes 2:26; Matthew 13:12).
Second, he was cast into outer darkness (Matthew 25:30)—a symbol of hell, full of sorrow and regret. Darkness is fitting for one who refused the light of God’s calling. There, there is weeping and gnashing of teeth—deep sorrow and frustration. He was an “unprofitable servant”—not useful to God, others, or himself (Luke 17:10; John 15:8). We are not saved by works, but the saved must bear fruit.